Travel Overview of Northern Thailand - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son

Northern Thailand is a mountainous part of the country which borders Myanmar and Laos, characterized by its rugged terrain and mix of peoples such as mainland Thais, Burmese, Shan and hilltribe groups (Karen,Hmong,Lahu,Lisu and Akha). These characteristics give Northern Thailand a culture and feel about it that is very different to the rest of Thailand.

The second biggest city in Thailand and the capital of the North, Chiang Mai attracts thousands of tourists every year. A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week soaking up the sights and sounds and falling for the allure of this city.

For those looking to explore more of Northern Thailand past the environs of Chiang Mai, there are two popular options. One is to head directly north to Chiang Rai or west to Mae Hong Son. Chiang Rai can be comfortably explored in 3 days covering destinations such as Fang, Thaton and Mae Salong. Most people set aside 3 days or less to discover Chiang Rai, although some make Chiang Rai a day trip- this is not recommended as most of the day is spent traveling as it is a good 4 hours drive from Chiang Mai.

With 3 days/2 nights a recommended route which covers both tourist and non tourist areas is; Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao - Doi Angkhang - Fang -Thaton - Mae Salong -Mae Sai- Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai. This route covers some beautiful natural scenery such as paddy fields, farmland growing a variety of crops, mountain backdrops and hilltribes. This route gets off the main tourist trail, the direct road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai that many commercial tour operators take to visit tourist hot spots such as the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai border.

For those with 4 days or more on their hands Mae Hong Son province which lies west of Chiang Mai is highly recommended. Mae Hong Son has a more remote feel to it as more time is needed to navigate through this mountainous province it remains less chartered by tourists. Home to a mix of peoples such as the Burmese, Shan, hilltribes and Thais, another distinctive feature of Mae Hong Son is the Shan and Burmese influence not found anywhere else in Thailand. This can be seen through the architecture, where ornate Shan style temples are scattered throughout this province. This area is also famous for its mists, named the land of 3 mists due to the dewy mist in the winter, rainy mist in the wet season and mist from forest fires in the summer.

Mae Hong Son Province is best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai taking you through the towns of Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai. The circuit can be done in a clockwise direction stopping off at Mae Sariang first or anti-clockwise via Pai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over from Pai to Chiang Dao and up North to the Chiang Rai region.

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Authentic Travel in Northern Thailand - 10 Tips How

Now that so many spots in Northern Thailand have become commercialised by tourism how does one get to see the real side to this country? Well there are still opportunities that exist for this kind of experience, a little bit of time and research can help you get off the tourist trail. Here are some tips:

1. As a rule of thumb, the further away you venture from developed areas the more likely you are to find natural and authentic areas that remain true to Thai culture and way of life

2. It does not take a lot to reach these places, just an hour outside of Chiang Mai you can be in the rural hinterlands. There are regular public buses to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, if public transportation is not for you then I would suggest hiring a car and guide

3. Surprisingly hiring a driver with a car is not much more expensive than driving yourself. In addition to this a guide can be hired for approximately 800baht a day

4. Although hiring a guide costs a little bit more, their contribution to an authentic experience can be invaluable

5. Without a guide your travel will probably be only observatory, missing out on a lot of valuable information and cultural insight. A guide not only acts as translator but a valuable and educational source of information. A good guide will be able to offer opinions and information outside of what you can read in a travel book

6. Thailand is renowned for its friendliness sand hospitality. A friendly encounter with a local can turn into an invite to his home and there you have it an authentic experience right before you

7. Venture down the little lanes that run off the main roads called 'sois' look carefully and you will find intimate aspects of local life

8. Homestays are also a great way to experience how locals live. Outfits now offer homestays with a Thai family or in a hill tribe village. This accommodation option is often cheaper than staying in standard hotels but offers a much richer experience

9. Take a visit to the local markets which are a great introduction to regional cuisine and produce. The Thais love their markets, at least a handful can be found in every town

10. A common cause of why people do not venture further afield is that they do not allow enough time, so factor in travel time to get off-the-beaten-path. Quantity of time will bring you a quality experience

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Thailand Has More to Offer Than You Think

It is hard to imagine anyone getting bored in Thailand; there is just no excuse for it. No matter what type of holiday you prefer you will find something in this land that was once called Siam. Most holiday makers make their way south to the island. If the idea of lounging around on tropical beaches is exactly what you expect from a holiday then this is where you will want to go. Thailand attracts many visitors, but it is still possible to find some stunning isolated beaches. On most of the islands you will also find accommodation to suit every budget.

Backpackers like to stay on islands like Koh Pan Ngan or Koh Lanta, because here you will find the cheapest accommodation. Koh Pan Ngan is the scene of the Full Moon Party and if dancing the night away is your idea of heaven then this will be the island to visit. If you have a bit more money to spend then you might like to visit Koh Samui or Phuket. Here you will find some real high class hotels, but you can also find reasonable deals as well. All of these places will have wonderful beaches where you will be able to work on your tan.

If you want to have the best possible night life in Thailand then goes to Pattaya; this is not called sin city for no reason. First timers to this part of Thailand can be quite shocked by full-throttle hedonism that exists in a place like this, but Pattaya is also increasingly becoming a place for family holidays as well. Some of the best resorts and hotels can be found in this area, and you will also get the best in western dining; there is no reason to ever get homesick in this city. Pattaya is the sort of place that you will either love or hate; many visitors love this part of Thailand so much that they would never consider going anywhere else.

If you would like more of an adventure holiday then you should head up north the Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. This is a great area for trekking and visiting the local hill tribes. If you love bookstores then you will love Chiang Mai. This is also a great city for doing courses like massage, Thai cooking, Thai language, or even yoga. This northern part of the country differs a lot from the south and tends to attract a different crowd. If you wish to travel up to the mountains then a real treat will be Pai; this has become a real backpacker's hangout.

Many visitors use Thailand as a base while they explore other parts of the region such as; Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, or Burma/Myanmar. It is the most modern country in the area and it offers a level of luxury that is just not possible in these other countries. Many visitors do a circular tour of South East Asia that starts and finishes in Thailand; this can be a great way of doing it but you will need at least few months if you want to see even some of what is on offer.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner of http://www.my-thailand.info/ - an information resource for all things related to Thailand including articles, news, movies and more.

By Ryan Fyfe

Why You Should Visit Northern Thailand

Most people associate Thailand with Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the islands. However there is much more to the country than the beaches of the south, a whole other world in fact.

700km north of Bangkok lies the capital of the North - Chiang Mai, the launching pad for any travelers journeys around the North. So why should one make the journey up there?

Well for those seeking a more cultured, authentic and historic experience the North is the place to go. The North shows a different side to Thailand - less touristic and commercialised than the south means that it is often cheaper too. Another advantage is the cooler climate, during winter daytime temperatures are a more moderate 25-30 degrees, in the highlands temperatures can even dip to as low as 10 degrees something unexpected for the tropical temperatures most people associate with Thailand.

The hub of Chiang Mai is much more laid back than it's Bangkok counterpart, yet has the same endless possibilities for activities and sightseeing. It is a great destination for soft adventure activities such as; ziplining through the forest, cycling, white water rafting and elephant riding. Trekking is probably the most popular activity here due to the pristine nature and variety of hilltribe villages scattered throughout the area. Then there are countless other cultural, historic and natural wonders ranging from temples, caves, museums to waterfalls.

Outside of Chiang Mai one could spend weeks exploring the rural provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai visiting remote areas and villages near the Thailand Burma border. This area is rich in traditional culture, hilltribes and breathtaking scenery.

The north of Thailand is characterised by it's sweeping mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls and temples. The pace is much slower and outside of the towns there is an air of serenity and calmness. Another important facet are it's people - Northern Thais are renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps a result of their surroundings in fertile and abundant countryside.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tour operator that specialises in North of Thailand Tours

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Planning a Trip to Northern Thailand ?

The north of Thailand - the most mountainous part of the country which has borders with Myanmar and Laos, is known for its impressionable mountains, lofty landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, rugged terrain and colourful hilltribe villages, and rural communities that still remain traditional. The first thing you will notice is that this part of the country is less touristic than the islands of the south and Bangkok. The pace of life is much slower here - Northern Thais are very laid back and renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps because of their surroundings in lush and fertile countryside. This is a part of the country that still remains largely traditional and authentic.

The capital of the North - Chiang Mai, is the most popular and best base for travel around the North of Thailand. Thousands of tourists visit every year - A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week and not have covered all of Chiang Mai's Attractions

If you want to explore the rural beauty of Northern Thailand and get to the heart of it's culture and way of life, then consider a visit to Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son. A recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, which is probably most famous for the Golden Triangle but there is so much more than this such as Thaton and the Chinese village of Mae Salong. Please see Chiang Rai Destinations for more info. A further 5 days is needed for Mae Hong Son province best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai and takes you through the province via Pai, Mae Hong Son capital and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over to Chiang Rai via Pai then Chiang Dao. If you don't have time for these excursions then you can still experience the countryside of the North at destinations such as Doi Inthanon and Samoeng which are only 1-2 hours drive from the city and can be done a day trip from Chiang Mai.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

When planning a holiday/vacation to the North, many people will research about travel destinations in Northern Thailand from travel guides and have unrealistic expectations of the number of places they can cover within a short space of time, as travel guides don't tell you how long it takes to get from place to place or much time you will need there.

There can be so much information it is overwhelming and difficult to put into an exact itinerary, if you need help planning your trip in the North I would be happy to help (no obligations), just send me an email at: mja1906@hotmail.com

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays an outfit that specializes in cultural tours of Northern Thailand

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Northern Thailand Travel Tips

How long do I need in the north?

Many people ask me how long they need in the North - my personal answer would be 'it could never be long enough!' My first visit to Thailand 4 years ago was to the North, and I have been living here for the past 2 years. For those restricted to a travel schedule though, at least 2 days is needed to cover the basic sightseeing of Chiang Mai (the capital of the North) although you could spend a week and not have covered all that the city and it's surrounds has to offer. If you want to explore the countryside beyond Chiang Mai a recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, and a further 5 days for Mae Hong Son.

What is the best time of year to go?

Winter in Thailand is from November - February, which is also the tourism high season here. Travellers prefer to come during these months as the temperature is slightly cooler, it is also the best weather for trekking. Whilst many people avoid rainy season (May-Sep), there are advantages -this is when the fields and nature are at their most lush green. Most of the time the rain will come in short spurts, it does not rain heavily all day. Summer time (March-April) is the worst time to come, when temperatures soar to mid-late 30's. This is also when farmers burn the fields, so air quality is very bad and visibility of the mountain views masked by smoke. Note that prices for many things such as tours,accommodation,flights are much higher during high season, so it can be cheaper to travel in the low season.

Is it recommended for kids?

Northern Thailand is a fantastic destination for kids, in fact it offers something for all ages. Soft adventure and outdoor activities, nature and animals are sure to keep the kids entertained whilst opportunities for cultural exploration together as a family can an enriching experience for all.

Transport

Most major to mid size towns in the North are well connected by local bus routes, so its possible to get around by bus, however to explore outlying areas and small villages then you will need your own transport. In some of the more developed and touristic towns there will be motorbikes for hire, if you want to hire a car it is best to do so from Chiang Mai.

Destinations in mountainous or more remote areas, will not have any form of transport so it's advisable to have your own transport here too. Local buses come in 2 classes - air conditioned or fan. Air con buses are slightly more expensive but worth paying the extra baht for as they have more leg room and seating is more spacious. Overnight buses in Thailand are very comfortable, seats recline to about 150 degrees with enough leg room for the average height person. The only things to watch out for are the air-conditioning which they tend to put on high and karaoke songs which they like to keep you entertained with at high volume.

Travel Style

There are various ways you can travel around Northern Thailand - independent travel, group package tours, or something in between such as a private tour. Which one you opt for will depend on how you like to travel and your budget. Independent travel (the cheapest form) is obviously for those who don't like to be restricted and prefer to explore by themselves, commonly done by backpackers on a low budget. The downfalls can be that whilst you may cover many areas with an open schedule, your travel experience will be purely observatory, you won't know about the meaning and culture behind places without the knowledge of a local guide. Package tours are for those who feel less comfortable exploring a place on their own and like to have everything pre-planned, the disadvantage being that every aspect (hotels, transport, itinerary) is fixed including the amount of time you can spend at a sight, not good for those that don't like to be rushed. A private tour combines the best of both independent and package travel in that you can tailor the itinerary to what you want to see and do, without the restrictions of a fixed schedule, basically you are the boss.

Your trip to Northern Thailand could combine a mix of styles, for example for tourist areas such as Chiang Mai city which are easy to get around by with public transport where a lot of the attractions have explanations in English then a guide and private transport is not required. For sightseeing in outlying Chiang Mai (adventure activities, national parks, waterfalls and temples) you may want to consider hiring a taxi or song tiaw for a day. Then for excursions to the countryside beyond Chiang Mai, which are not so easily done on public transport you could hire a car, driver and guide for a tour.

Hotels

Northern Thailand offers an amazing array of hotels and guesthouses from budget backpacker to 5 star boutique hotels. If arriving during low season it is not necessary to book beforehand, although you may get better rates if you book online. Many hotels in Chiang Mai can be found on online hotel booking agents. In rural parts most hotels/guesthouses (unless they are high end well established ones) are not available on any of the online hotel booking agents, you might be lucky if they even had their own website, so a phone reservation is the best way. During high season and any national holidays booking beforehand is advised as places get full pretty quickly.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays an outfit that runs responsible tours of Northern Thailand.

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Travel Thailand Agrotourism

Agrotourism is another mode of sightseeing to please an enrich our spirit. The knowledge gained from such a trip can be applied to enhanced person career or way of living. More importantly, it is a return to and to comprehend traditional agrarian wisdom, wish has long been our national pride and way of life, philosophical entity founded by our ancestor. The tourist will have a chance to experience the culture, traditional and daily activity customarily performed in an agrarian community recently touched by modern technology. From the highlands of the north to the shorelines in the south and from the high plateau of the northeast down to the central plain of rice farming and the islets along the east-coast, The visitors will enjoy a wide variety of breathtaking scenery.

Moreover, Agrotourism is a localy managed by community people. the trip is usually impressive once the tourists learn to appreciate there being part of the production and management process. The earning from Agrotourism can create the much-needed cash flow in the communities. That can help solved the unemployment problem and promote domestic tourism. Come take pride in the fertility of the land and help make agrotourism sustainable and productive activity.

The North

The Northern highland of Thailand were once known as glorious Lanna Regain. This mountainous area contains headwater source of many important rivers, the nation's lifelines, which nourich all ethnic group on the high mountains and in the plants. In several province such as Chain Rai, Chaing Mai, and Nan, are situated research centers for temperate vegetation amidst the magnificent seas of fog and misty hills. In the river basins, people grow rice and vegetables. The north is also famous for some tasty fruit such as lychees in Chaing Rai, longans in Chaing Mai, golden orange in Nan, and langsat in Uttaradit. In addition to its agricaltural produce, The north is also rich in artistic, architecctural and handcraft heritage, which has been passed on to new generations for hundreds of years. The cultural riches are evident everywhere: in house, temple, handicraft, household items and even in the simple and peaceful daily routine that people perform.

Route 1 - Enjoy The Land Of Tea, Sea Of Fog And Beautiful Flowers...Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province. It is almost completely covered with timber resources on high mountain. Many headwaters sources originate here. Amidst the white seas of fog and cold weather are located the agricultural Experimentation Station on Doi Wawi, the highland Agricultural Promotion Center on Doi Hua Mae Kham, and Agricultural Promotion Center on Doi Pha Mon. To reach these places, the terrain is rough and only passable by a 4-wheel pick-up truck, but the trip is self-rewarding. It passes through golden field of wild sunflowers and pink wild cherry blossoms. The valleys are dotted with greenhouses of temperate vegetation and small tea-producing plant as Chiang Rai is the nation's biggest tea producer. The agrarian communities here are in perfect harmony with the hill tribe lifestyles. And that is part of the charm of these highlands.

By Sarawoot Jantra

Visiting Thailand's North Provinces

First

Although Thailand is an ideal place to visit if companies are from outside the major cities and tourist areas are often in a situation where the circumstances of the world. Although it is not in itself is a bit worrying that all passengers must be kept in mind.

Theft and poor food hygiene and preparation skills are something that can be seen in some areas, it is important to take out travel insurance. It is not only to cover the treatment of patients something simple, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (although reading this disease can be expensive), but if something is stolen, it can also change depending on the policy.

Discover Thailand

Some of bustling tourists in Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Samui Iceland. However, there are many other places that should be taken into account the real believers:

• Chiang Mai - full of traditional heritage
• Chiang Rai - situated 785 kilometres north of Bangkok
• Kamphaengphet - the name means "strong as walls" or "forts made of diamonds"
• Lampang - famous for their horse-drawn carriages
• Lamphun - located on the bank of the Kuang River
• Mae Hong Son - this town has been isolated from the western world
• Nakhon Sawan - where the rivers of Ping, Wang, Yom and Nam all meet to form the Chao Phraya River
• Nan - a province rich in rock salt deposits
• Phayao - intriguing religious sites
• Phetchabun - the name means "land of crops and food"
• Phichit - several crocodile farms can be found in this province
• Phitsanulok - a great base for those wishing to adventure throughout the north and western northeast
• Phrae - one of the largest reserves of teak forests
• Sukhothai - the first truly independent Thai kingdom
• Tak - known for the area's beautiful mountains and forests
• Uthai Thani - rich with native wildlife
• Uttaradit - a well known port for goods transportation

Well, if that sounds like a lot of places to visit, there's more! These provinces are in the North. Central, eastern, northeastern and southern parts of joy!

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has over 25 years experience as a travel insurance specialist and has a comprehensive portfolio of insurance packages for Australians travelling overseas.

Golf Holidays In Thailand

Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination for golf holidays and there is without a doubt that this fascinating and exotic country does provide you with a unique golf experience.
Golf courses in Thailand have excellent and modern facilities along with proper infrastructure and roads. In fact, many golf enthusiasts claim that golf holidays in Thailand are much superior to those in Europe.
This could be because there are many golf courses spread across Thailand so you will rarely find an over crowded golf course. Even in the most popular places, golf courses have sprung up and you will find each course providing you with an exclusive and special atmosphere where golf culture is undiluted by tourism.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and River Kwai all have golf course ideally suited for different budgets. You can always create a custom golf tour package to suit your pocket, and, if necessary, you can also combine two locations.
However, you should take into account the time of the year you are planning your golf holiday in Thailand. Remember, Thailand basically has three seasons. The cool season starts from November until February. During this period, there are clear skies and the weather is highly conducive for golfing. However, this is the peak tourist season in Thailand and you would need to make reservations well in advance to get accommodation you want.
Summer in Thailand begins in March and temperatures gradually increase. April and May are hot and humid. Do remember that the Thai New Year is celebrated in May and this is the time when Thailand comes to a virtual standstill.
The rainy season in Thailand is from June until end of September. It rains most days and the weather can be highly unpredictable. During this period, there is less sunshine and this can definitely dampen your golf holiday in Thailand.
If you are looking for a budget golf holiday in Thailand then October is the month for you. During this month, the prices are still low and the tourist season has not started as yet. You can decide when to play and get bargain deals.

About Author:
Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like Thailandbuddy.com. She also writes other great articles like Thailand Travel Information, Thailand Real Estate Industry Analysis, Facts on the Stonehenge

By Pauline Go